VanAllen Aligns Leadership for Future Growth – Adds Industry Veteran to Team

Jan. 16, 2013
It has promoted Pete Agur to Chairman and Jeff Agur to Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Don Henderson has been appointed to Managing Director, Consulting Services.

January 16, 2013 – McDonough, Georgia -- The VanAllen Group, a leading business aviation consultancy company, is positioning its business for future growth with the promotions of Pete Agur to Chairman and Jeff Agur to Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  In addition, Don Henderson has been appointed to Managing Director, Consulting Services for VanAllen.

For more than 20 years, VanAllen has been exceeding clients’ expectations with aircraft acquisitions and consulting services that bridge the gap between Business Aviation users and their service providers.

“We are very optimistic about the industry and our business.  Making this alignment allows us to deliver even more value to our clients,” stated Pete Agur, Chairman. “Jeff will lead our firm in the very best direction, positioning us for future growth as the industry gets back on track.”

Pete Agur founded the The VanAllen Group in 1993 and was formerly the managing director for the company. As a recognized industry leader, Pete has been an exceptional contributor to the Flight Safety Foundation and the National Business Aviation Association in a variety of roles. He has over 50 articles published or cited in a wide variety of magazines, including FORTUNE, The Wall Street Journal, The Robb Report, Business & Commercial Aviation, AeroSafety World, Business Jet Traveler, Flying Magazine, Career Pilot, and Professional Pilot.

Pete holds an MBA from Georgia State University and a BS (summa cum laude) in Aeronautical Sciences from Denver's Metropolitan State University.  In the fall of 2006, Pete received his Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) designation from the National Business Aviation Association.  He holds an ATP for fixed wing, commercial helicopter and private glider ratings.  He is also a former military, airline and civil flight and ground instructor. As Chairman, Pete will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the firm.

Jeff Agur joined The VanAllen Group in 2003 as Director of Business Operations and moved to Managing Director, Aircraft Acquisition Services in 2006. On behalf of his clients, Jeff has detailed the planning and acquisition of over a half billion dollars in jets, turboprops, helicopters, and fractional shares.  Jeff completed his Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) at Georgia State University.  He is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He is currently the Vice Chair of the Board of the Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA), past Chair of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Access Committee and a member of the NBAA’s Tax Committee.  He is also a private pilot and a guest speaker on many aviation-related topics around the country. As CEO, Jeff will guide the operations of the company and focus on opportunities for growth while working closely with VanAllen clientele on various projects. 

In his new role, Don Henderson will manage consulting services for the business.  Don comes to VanAllen from KeyCorp’s flight department, where he was Director of Aviation for more than 12 years during his twenty-five year career with them. With more than 10,000 hours total flight time, Don is type-rated in several business jets. He is currently the Chairman of the NBAA Corporate Aviation Management Committee, as well as the past Chairman of the NBAA’s Professional Development Program Approval Committee.  Additionally, he is a Certified IS-BAO auditor and teaches interpersonal communication classes.  All of these add unique insights and knowledge and are invaluable as Don oversees and directly supports VanAllen clients. 

“Don brings tremendous leadership and operational experience to the company and we are truly excited to have him join our team,” commented Jeff Agur, CEO for VanAllen.  “Plus Don is very creative in his approach to managing and consulting so I am confident our clients will value his passion and experience for the industry.”

About The VanAllen Group

The VanAllen Group, Inc. provides business aviation solutions. Its services include analysis and strategic planning; aircraft selection, design, acquisition, completion, and delivery support; flight department performance reviews; leadership selection and development; emergency response planning; and special services. The company is based in McDonough, Georgia and for more information go to www.VanAllen.com